James R. Christbaum

James R. Christbaum, 88, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Jim was born on July 25, 1937, in Whitewater, WI, the son of the late Russell and Bessie (Boggs) Christbaum. He graduated from Whitewater High School and received his degree in education from U.W. Whitewater.

James served in the United States Army National Guard. His love of flying led to a career as a pilot with United Airlines, climbing in rank to Captain before retiring in 1997. He lived in Florida for a short time before moving to Door County with his wife, Judy, full-time in 2005. He married Judy G. Syring on December 18, 2004 in Sister Bay.

Jim loved being a pilot, and was also a member of the Bay Flyers Model Club, flying radio control planes in Sturgeon Bay.

He will be missed by his wife, Judy Syring of Sturgeon Bay; three children, Ryan (Tracy Sichterman) Christbaum of Berkeley, CA, Jeffrey (Lisabeth Wheeler) Christbaum of Muskego, WI, Kelly Ann Christbaum of Appleton, WI; five grandchildren, Mia and Tessa, Rebecca and Robert, and William; and sister, Liz Theeke of Michigan.

At Jim's request there will be no formal service.

The family would like to thank those at Door County Hospital who cared for Jim, his neighbors and friends who looked out for he and Judy throughout the years.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of James may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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